So the other day, C and I were doing our weekly food shop and diligently following our little list. When I came across these juicy looking beef ribs. They were not part of the plan and I had no idea what to do with them, but I knew I wanted them! So I deviated from our plan against C's skepticism and with confidence that I could figure something out. However once we got home, my confidence started to waiver – I know nothing about beef ribs apart from BBQ and that really isn't an option.
The beef ribs sat in my fridge for a couple of days, and with each passing day I was feeling more and more intimidated by this hunk of meat and bone – why didn't I stick to my plan!? I was trawling the internet looking for good recipes, all of which were unappealing to me (smother the ribs in store bought BBQ sauce and grill for 3 hours! YUK!). Until I came across this recipe from The Pioneer Woman!
The recipe not only sparked my interest because it was definitely something I could manage, but I fell in love with this entire blog, and found myself spending hours going through it. The photos are just wonderful – and this woman has a life so incredibly different from my own, and it got me day dreaming! Maybe one day C and I will live on a ranch?
I tweaked the recipe to suit what I had at home and made it entirely stove top, as Lola (my bright red Le Creuset) has not yet arrived, and I don't dare put our temporary pot into the oven. The outcome was fantastic, very rich and deep flavours and something I would by happy ordering at a restaurant (yes, it was THAT good). It is definitely reminiscent of Bouff Borgennion but without all the hassle! My only alteration would be to cut the carrots in thick slices or coins rather than dicing them in the future!
However you must go have a look at the original recipe, the photos are absolutely stunning- and really puts my little iphone pic to shame!
Season the ribs with salt and pepper, set aside.
Add olive oil to pan with the bacon grease, and raise heat to high. Brown ribs on all sides, work in batches if you need to, you do not want to crowd the pan. Remove ribs and set aside. Turn down heat to medium.
Add onions, carrots, and shallots to pan and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in wine and scrape bottom of pan to release all that flavour stuck to the bottom. Bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes.
Add broth. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Add ribs to the liquid; they should be almost completely submerged. Add fresh oregano sprigs (whole) to the pot.
Put on the lid and slowly simmer over a low flame 2 hours. Once done, turn off the flame allow to sit for at least 20 minutes, with the lid on, before serving.
If you need to, skim fat off the top of the liquid and serve.
This dish would go fantastically with mashed or roast potatoes. I was planning on serving this with a head of sauteed broccoli, however when I was preparing it about 5 little green worms popped up and said hello (last time I buy organic in Brazil!)! As I had nothing else on short notice, I used some left over dry pasta – not really ideal, but it worked!
Although I still love making my weekly meal plans – sometimes it pays to be a little more adventurous and go with what you want, even if you have no idea what to do with it!
Have you guys ever deviated from your plan and received outstanding results?
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Lovely recipe … the ribs look so succulent!
Thank you and thanks so much for stopping by to say hello :) Yes, the ribs were succulent and even better the next day :) I'm certain you can make it with our cuts of 'stew' meat!
This way of cooking reminds me of your grandmother's (mormor's) way of preparing food, which always tasted delicious!
I love a good braise because it's impossible to mess up– no stress over whether it's done, just let it cook. These look awesome!